FPSC rejects claims of 45% drop in number of aspirants, calling figures misinterpreted
ISLAMABAD:
The Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) has rejected claims that the number of candidates for the Senior Civil Services (CSS) has declined by 45%, terming the claims misleading and based on incorrect comparison of examination statistics.
In a press release, the commission said the perception that young people were disinterested in the CSS exam was inaccurate, adding that figures cited in some media outlets had been interpreted out of context.
According to the FPSC, comparisons between the number of candidates in 2022 and 2025 were not made on a comparable basis. He explained that 64,081 candidates registered for the Mandatory Preliminary Test (MPT) in 2025, while 18,139 candidates subsequently submitted their applications for the CSS written exam.
The commission said 12,792 candidates appeared for the 2025 written exam, of which 354 qualified. At the end of the interview stage, 342 candidates were declared suitable for appointment, while 170 candidates were finally allocated to various professional groups and departments.
The FPSC argued that the participation of tens of thousands of MPT candidates each year clearly demonstrated that interest in joining the Pakistan Civil Service remained strong.
He further said that several media outlets neglected the MPT registration figures and also failed to take into account the CSS Special Examination 2023 results.
According to the commission, 141 candidates were posted to various services in the CSS Special Examination 2023. It added that the special examination particularly benefited women, minorities and candidates from underdeveloped regions.
The FPSC stressed that a career in public service remains a cherished ambition for many young Pakistanis.
